News & Updates

Dallas, Texas, Sept. 25, 2013 – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) announced the seventh human West Nile virus case in Dallas County for the 2013 season. The resident lives in 75006 and was diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

“Dallas County wants to alert the public that the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are here and they’re active,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. “Our mosquito surveillance program and the county and municipal abatement teams are taking the appropriate actions to ensure the safety of our residents. However, it is important that residents do their part by taking the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to the virus.”

Carrollton is very proactively engaged in West Nile virus prevention. Scott Hudson, Carrollton's Director of Environmental Services said, "This includes weekly mosquito trapping throughout the city, participating in a regional surveillance, analysis and spraying program developed in coordination with the CDC and joint public education and outreach. We apply larvicide to standing water and spray targeted areas based on testing results. Our surveillance and control efforts will continue through the off-season and into next year."

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes. The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites by practicing the four Ds: DEET, Dress, Dusk and Dawn, and Drain
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET or other PA-approved mosquito repellent.
o Spray exposed skin and clothing with repellent.
o Click here for information on choosing an appropriate repellent.
• Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, times when infected mosquitoes are most active.
• Drain standing water in your yard; old tires, flower pots and clogged rain gutters are mosquito breeding sites.
• Also very important to be sure that doors and window are sealed properly and that screens are in place to protect your home from intruding mosquitoes

People are infected with West Nile virus through the bite of an infected mosquito. Since there is no specific treatment for the virus, Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director and health authority says “the first line of defense to prevent West Nile virus infection is to avoid getting bitten in the first place.” He encourages citizens to adhere to the preventive measures and to mosquito proof their homes.

To report or inquire about mosquito activity in Dallas County, contact (214) 819-2115 or visit www.dallascounty.org/westnilevirus for more information. Also visit DCHHS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dchhs.